When Utah’s governor and President Trump cite the death penalty as punishment for Charlie Kirk’s confessed killer, many ask if the death penalty should be applied.
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Scripture, not sentiment, must direct Christian convictions. Misdirected mercy leads many astray from a biblically informed position, including the late Pope Francis who declared “abolish the death penalty.”
Optional or Essential?
Question: Does God mandate the execution of a convicted murderer?
While Christians are called to forgive those who repent, governing authorities are entrusted by God with the responsibility of executing an individual convicted of willful murder. Whether it is an individual assassinating a political leader, terrorists on 9/11 or serial killers, God requires the taking of life when a criminal is found guilty of willful murder. Life is sacred.
“And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. Whoever sheds the blood of a man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man” (Gen. 9:5-6).
Civil Authorities
In Romans 13:1–5 we discover the role of civil authorities in carrying out justice: “The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted… rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrong doer.”
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These Scriptures are foundational regarding the death penalty. The Greek word for “sword” speaks of the instrument by which people are put to death.
The primary functions of legitimate civil government are: 1) Promote good; 2) Punish evil. God’s love entails discipline which is an expression of His love (Heb. 12:6). Whether an unborn baby or aged adult, the sanctity of life rules.
Apostle Paul understood Capital Punishment: “If however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:11).
Restoring Justice
When officials fail to deal decisively and swiftly with capital crimes, evildoers know their chance of being put to death is minimal. They rationalize they can get away with murder when judges view them as victims” and appeals drag on for decades. Thugs assault police and others and regularly scoff at lack of prosecution and lengthy appeals.
God explains why we have escalating crime: “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily; the heart of the children of men is fully set to do evil” (Eccl. 8:11).
Revelation 6:9-10 tells of those who look to God to avenge murderers who escaped. “I saw under the altar the souls of those [martyrs] who had been slain…They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’”
FBI founder, J. Edgar Hoover said, “Time-proven deterrents to crime are sure detection, swift apprehension and proper punishment. Each is a necessary ingredient. Law abiding citizens have a right to expect that the efforts of law enforcement officers in detecting and apprehending criminals will be followed by realistic punishment.”
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Here’s the deal: The evil behind the Kirk shooting is awakening multitudes! Bill O’Reilly’s just released book, Confronting Evil, is already number one on the New York Times bestseller list. May the assassin receive our prayers and a clear Gospel presentation as justice is done. We will honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk whose martyrdom brought America to this turning point.
Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author of 10 books, cultural commentator of 50 years, Intercessors for America board member and a public policy adviser with Liberty Counsel. Go to larrytomczak.com to watch 30 amazing, free, brief, on-demand videos by America’s top leaders so you can confidently address today’s tough issues.
